Lead Toddler Classroom Teacher

American Montessori Society Inc; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 42,000 - 58,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Paid time off

Health care support

Professional development

Collaborative team

Job summary

Starling Montessori School in Capitol Hill, Washington DC, is seeking a dedicated Toddler Guide to join its established Toddler program. The Lead Guide will support a small mixed-age group (16 months to 2.5/3 years) with observation-based lessons, ensuring independence, language development, and social-emotional growth.

Candidates should have a Bachelors or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and Montessori Toddler (0–3) certification; enrollment in a Toddler training program is

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or Associated Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Montessori Toddler (0–3) certification from a MACTE-accredited program
• Candidates currently enrolled in a Toddler training program will be considered
• Strong understanding of Montessori philosophy, child development, and respectful care practices
• Commitment to reflective practice, collaboration, and ongoing professional growth

Responsibilities

• Maintaining a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment
• Offering individualized lessons and care routines grounded in careful observation
• Supporting children’s independence, language development, movement, and social-emotional growth
• Establishing a calm, respectful classroom culture rooted in grace and courtesy
• Collaborating with assistants to ensure consistency and high-quality practice
• Partnering with families through clear communication and meaningful engagement
• Working alongside colleagues to ensure alignment across programs and continued program growth

Skills

Observation-based teaching

Collaborative team player

Child development knowledge

Respectful care practices

Reflective practice

Education

Bachelor's or Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education

Montessori Toddler (0–3) certification

Enrollment in Toddler training program

Job description

Full-Time | Toddler Classroom Teacher

Location: Capitol Hill, Washington D.C.

Starling Montessori School is seeking a dedicated and experienced Toddler Guide to join its established Toddler program within a growing Montessori community. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a thriving classroom environment while deepening and strengthening an already well-supported program rooted in authentic Montessori practice.

The ideal candidate will be inspired by observation-based teaching, thoughtful preparation, and collaboration, and will be excited to nurture young children in a prepared environment that supports independence, confidence, and joyful exploration.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree or Associated Degree in Early Childhood Education
• Montessori Toddler (0–3) certification from a MACTE-accredited teacher education program
• Candidates currently enrolled in a Toddler training program will be considered
• Strong understanding of Montessori philosophy, child development, and respectful care practices
• Commitment to reflective practice, collaboration, and ongoing professional growth

About the Role & Program

The Toddler Teacher will play an essential role in sustaining and enhancing the established Toddler environment. Working in partnership with school leadership and classroom assistants, the guide will continue to strengthen classroom culture, refine materials and experiences, and support continuity for children transitioning into the Primary program.

The classroom serves a small mixed-age community of young children. There are 10-12 students, ages 16 Months to 2.5/3 years old, with a ratio of 1:4. The classroom is supported by trained assistants. The Lead Guide will be responsible for:

• Maintaining a beautiful, orderly, and developmentally appropriate Montessori environment
• Offering individualized lessons and care routines grounded in careful observation
• Supporting children’s independence, language development, movement, and social-emotional growth
• Establishing a calm, respectful classroom culture rooted in grace and courtesy
• Collaborating with assistants to ensure consistency and high-quality practice
• Partnering with families through clear communication and meaningful engagement
• Working alongside colleagues to ensure alignment across programs and continued program growth

Benefits

Starling Montessori School offers a supportive and mission-driven work environment with competitive benefits, including:

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Paid time off and school holidays
• Support with accessing health care via HC4CC Program for Licensed Childcare facilities in DC
• Professional development support and ongoing Montessori growth opportunities
• Collaborative team environment with strong leadership support

About Starling Montessori School

Starling Montessori School is a growing, mission-driven Montessori community serving children from Toddler through early childhood. The institution is deeply committed to authentic Montessori practice, respectful relationships, and intentional preparation of both environment and adults.

As the school continues to strengthen its programs, it seeks a guide who values stewardship, teamwork, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to an established classroom community.

Learn more about the institution at: https://starlingmontessorischool.com/